European leaders strike deal to try to keep Britain in E.U.
Prime Minister David Cameron and his E.U. counterparts struck an agreement following marathon negotiations in Brussels. Here's what that means for the country and the possibility of an E.U. without Britain. (Jason Aldag,Adam Taylor/The Washington Post)

By Griff Witte-February 19

BRUSSELS — Round-the-clock negotiations between British Prime Minister David Cameron and his fellow European Union leaders yielded a deal late Friday night that they hope will keep Britain from becoming the first country to leave the 28-member bloc.

The United Kingdom is expected to hold a referendum on the matter in June. A British exit — popularly known as “Brexit” — is strongly opposed by all E.U. leaders, Cameron included, and it could have disastrous consequences for the future of a body that has defined Europe’s post-war order.

[What’s a ‘Brexit’? A guide to Britain’s E.U. drama.]

Cameron said after the deal was announced that the agreed package of E.U. reforms was “enough” for him to recommend that Britain remain in the union.

“I do not love Brussels; I love Britain,” he said at a late-night news conference. But staying in the E.U. gives his country “the best of both worlds,” he said.

David Cameron spent the night arguing with European Union partners about concessions on the UK's membership of the bloc, as the British prime minister tries to secure changes ahead of a planned referendum on it as early as June. (Reuters)

Read More